The Auction

Belle Walker lives in a place where women are auctioned off when they come of age. Outside the city are monsters who have allowed the humans a small area to inhabit. They promise to leave citizens in peace as long as they never cross the boundary. On the day Belle is sold, one of the monsters breaks that promise and enters the city, intent on having her as his own. More

The Auction is a 20,000 word novella. (1-2 hours of reading time, or approximately 80 pages.)

DESCRIPTION:

Belle Walker lives in a strict society where women are treated as property, sold to the highest bidder soon after their eighteenth birthday. But the auction isn’t the only danger. Though she’s never seen them, she knows monsters live outside the city. These creatures have allowed the humans a small area to inhabit with the promise to leave them in peace as long as they never cross the boundary. On the day Belle is sold, one of the monsters breaks that promise and enters the city, intent on having her as his own.

**This book is intended for an adult audience and contains master/slave, multiple partners, girl on girl, alien sex, and oral play.**

WHAT OTHER AUTHORS ARE SAYING ABOUT “THE AUCTION”:

"If you want lyrical, compelling and thought-provoking erotic fiction, you have to read Kitty Thomas. Just make sure you clear your calendar because you won't be moving until you're finished." - Cari Quinn, author of PROVOKE ME

"The Auction is an exotic story that beautifully demonstrates how dominance and submission is a universal condition." - Claudia D. Christian, author of VICIOUS BLISS: FALLEN

KITTY THOMAS writes dark literary fiction that explores dominance and submission. Not really classed as romance, though some readers see it that way. It's a case of your mileage may vary. Romance genre conventions and rules not usually followed but some books could easily be classed as romantic suspense such as Mafia Captive or Tender Mercies.

To find out FIRST when a new book comes out, subscribe to Kitty's New Release List: KITTYTHOMAS.COM

Reviews

Review by:
curmudgeon
on June 21, 2012 :
Good erotic s-f.
(reviewed the day of purchase)

Review by:
Darby OShieles
on Sep. 20, 2011 :
I loved the premise of the book, but felt that some thing in the details was missing. I really wanted more time for the story to develop and evolve. Fun idea that needed a little more. Excellent cover.
(reviewed 3 days after purchase)

If I ever doubted that Thomas was one of my favourite authors, I cannot say anything implying differently after this one. This is the fourth work I have devoured by her and they have all captured me from the very first page, not letting go until the very end. I adore the wonderful psychological twists, all meeting the issue of accepting yourself for who you are in the most extreme ways. The Action was no exception! It is showing how dominance and submission isn’t only a fetish, but indeed a natural state for living creatures.

This novella does a different take though, taking place in a future society on a completely different planet. This society has taken a step back from the development of the present time and instead seems more similar to the society common when going back in our history. Our idea of marriage now also has a different meaning; here women are being auctioned and sold to the highest bidder–then belonging to him. Most women are, so called ”fake bought”, by their boyfriends from relationships before the right age hit them, but our heroine has the luck of being bought by one of the original inhabitants of the planet and one of the monsters. Luck, because normally these creatures are not allowed into the human city, yet no one sees her important enough to fight for. Interestingly enough however, she immediately feels a connection and attraction to this male…

The characters in The Auction are probably the ones I have found the most interesting yet–something I think may have to do with the story taking place in the future and on a completely different planet. The original inhabitants were special, yet not too far of from our own species’ males. We only meet two brothers, Master and Sir, since real names gives too much power over a being. I found it extremely interesting seeing how they saw family and the traditions of sharing what they love between each other—even in ways that would be deeply frowned upon in our–and even the, in the novella, new–society. Yet, the reason for their traditions makes sense and I really like how their species care so much for each other. I also loved how they show S&M to be a part of their species ways; just like it is with most species on earth. As with all Thomas’s novels, I fell for the two males just like our heroine—once aging caught in the tangled thoughts of right and wrong.

Annabelle was indeed the perfect mate for the brother and she was the perfect woman for being first in the experiment of involving humans with the monsters. I do admire her for her strength too, although I think any of the heroines in these more extreme stories needs to be. They only need to accept the fact that it’s nothing wrong with craving a master in order to be truly happy, which is harder then it sounds. Thomas shows this amazingly well and I cannot help to love anything she writes; even this one with a more science-fiction trait. She also shows how the monsters (which these creatures actually are) aren’t always the real monsters, which is probably more true than you would think. The word-building was extremely well done and even when it was shorter than what I am used to her work being, nothing felt too rushed. To be honest, my only complaint with this story would be that I want more!

I wouldn’t hesitate recommending The Auction to anyone who likes deeper and more psychological twisted books with steamy sex scenes. As long as you are open minded and don’t have any problem with the warning, I say go for it! And as always with her novels, I also adore the cover!
(reviewed 28 days after purchase)

Even when Kitty Thomas steps out of the box and does something different, she still manages fabulous success!! Like all of her previous work that I've had the pleasure of reading, after reading the final sentence, I'm left pondering and completely awed at her story telling and her ability to to craft some of the best Master/slave and D/s relationships that I've ever read!

For those readers who are familiar with Kitty's work, The Auction has a couple 'firsts' in comparison to her previous books. While it still has all the hot, unbelievably delicious and raw emotional appeal of Master/slave elements, including the psychological journey of exploring those relationships, Kitty also gives readers a little sci-fi elements and just a minor teaser of f/f action in her new book.

While I wouldn't call this a dystopian story, I have to say that the futuristic human society and the contrasting alien world create two separate civilizations that mimic the contrasting roles of Master and slave dynamics. Something of which that is explored when Annabelle is auctioned off to an alien Master.

The woman of the human civilization are taught to be submissive so that they are prepared when they are auctioned off to the highest male bidder at eighteen. But, Annabelle has always been a little different following the death of her parents. When the feisty and slightly defiant Annabelle takes the auction block, virtually nobody bids. At last an offer is made. Fear -- and sexual excitement -- wash over Belle, as she takes in the dangerous stranger. His red skin, claw like hands, and dragon wings, immediately trigger her fear -- and desire. Aliens never breached the confines of human civilization, but with their species dying out, Master buys the first human to test the fate of his race.

She runs. She balks. She defies. She submits. Something deep inside Annabelle is awakened and responds to her new Master's demands. Over time the intensity of desire grows as she learns to accept her new role in her new life. She also learns more about herself and her acceptance towards her body's natural responses.

Kitty Thomas does another fabulous job at breaking down the primal desires at the very core of submissives -- and Masters. The response of a submissive in denial that seems like a foreign answer to the unfamiliar yet primal acknowledgment of a Master's demand. And Annabelle is one submissive who experiences this unexplored, yet very sexual, reaction to the dominant demands of her new Master.

"He seemed to see something in my eyes anyway, and I was spared the indignity of begging for something so wrong."

And Master also seems to sense this, despite his very demanding and unyielding ways.

"He was silent for a few minutes, then he said, "I hope someday you'll understand our ways. I know your kind isn't the same. But you want to be mastered by me, I can smell it on you.""

The differences between the species is also acknowledge through the familial dynamics. Master and his brother, 'Sir' share their mates. While Annabelle may be Sir's 'plaything', she *is* Master's. Belle has always felt an undeniable, yet shamefully strong attraction to Master. But over the months, she begins to love him and Sir, and can't imagine ever trying to escape -- again. She revels in what Master makes her feel and allows her the permission to give up control to him.

You'll notice that Master and Sir don't have 'names'. There is no need. Names give power, and Master and Sir is all Annabelle needs to know. They are the ones that hold the power.

In addition to the actual dynamics of Master's and Belle's relationship, I couldn't help but also wonder if Ms. Thomas was also creating a parallel to the differences between the human civilization and the alien society.

"It occurred to me that Sir wasn't a sadist. This was just how his kind were. Maybe the females of their species had been okay with it. Maybe they didn't fight biology so strongly like human women did."

Belle may be afraid of her new Master at first, his stern and unyielding ways, but Belle is truly more afraid of herself and her heightened sexual desire when submitting to Master and Sir. Trust, understanding, and acceptance are key elements that force emotional reactions from Annabelle. When she finally learns to accept herself, she learns to accept her life with her new mate, and even manages to find a perfect sort of love along the way.

The bottom line is that Kitty, once again, makes readers think as she takes them on the psychological exploration of the dynamics of a Master and slave relationship. Readers who thoroughly love dark erotica are sure to love Kitty's new sci-fi addition to her already fabulous bookshelf. As always, this is journey; an exploration of understanding one's desires and the ability to admit to them and submit. I absolutely cannot get enough of this author!! If she can pull of hot alien Masters, I can only imagine what she'll give us next! :)
(reviewed 10 days after purchase)

Review by:
Pillow Talker
on July 11, 2011 :
Many times, short stories of the erotic nature are quick reads for pure entertainment. They are quick, to the point, and often full of fluff between sex scenes, if there is a break once the action starts. When it comes to science fiction and fantasy shorts, all the great concepts are recycled and regurgitated with new character names and faces. Many authors attempt to blend these genres and the results tend to lean toward unrealistic story lines or horror-filled tales.

With The Auction, Kitty Thomas condenses her writing style into novella format and takes the challenge to combine erotic writing, science fiction, and fantasy. The end result is a success, completely surpassing the stereotypical genre mix. The Auction even goes a bit further, weaving in a theme of finding and accepting oneself.

Set in the far future in a lost colony, Ms. Thomas introduces readers to a civilization, secluded among wild creatures and monsters, that has lost all advanced technology. The colony begins anew, restructuring from books and remnant technology, and creating a super patriarchal society in which women are completely relieved of all freedoms and girls are sold at the age of eighteen to the highest bidder. A peace is kept between the wild world and the colony; the creatures allow the humans to live as they see fit, so long as everyone abides by the rules and remains inside set boundaries. Ms. Thomas explores what happens when an alien breaks this peace, enters the colony, and attends an auction to bid on the women.

The Auction follows Annabelle Walker, the first woman with the misfortune to be on the auction block purchased by the alien. Ms. Thomas delves into Belle's thoughts and the reader follows her journey from sold slave to run-away property to a content companion. Belle's experience pushes her beyond her greatest imaginings and forces a self-realization: "No matter where I went, I’d never escape who I was or what I wanted."

Ms. Thomas has a skill for pulling readers into her characters and in The Auction, her skill shines. In less than 20k words, Ms. Thomas offers the same page-turning addiction found in her full-length novels. Fans of the strange, the weird, and a good blend of science fiction and fantasy in their erotica will enjoy The Auction.
(reviewed 16 days after purchase)

Review by:
Line Tayabali
on July 07, 2011 :
Can only say the same as in the other rewiews. Hate it was so short would LOVE a sequel!!!!! More please!!
(reviewed 11 days after purchase)

Review by:
AsianCocoa
on July 04, 2011 :
The Auction takes place on a distant unnamed planet. Annabelle Walker has been on her own ever since her parents were killed by the monsters “out there” years prior. As a part of their society the humans auction off every young woman when she turns eighteen. This is a way for the city to make money to buy supplies from transport ships. Belle’s turn has come up and she is up on the block. She has been working on and pleasuring Stephen Thurman for over 2 years in hopes that he will keep his promise to buy her at the auction and then set her free. Belle is known as a feisty, trouble-maker so no one else bids on her except for Stephen until a mysterious hooded stranger makes an offer and outbids him.

After he pays for Annabelle, the stranger reveals himself to the shock and horror of everyone. He is one of the dragon-winged aliens that inhabit this distant planet. He has come into the city for the first time to buy himself a mate. Belle is both afraid and aroused but then adrenaline kicks in and she decides to run away. But wait. The alien can fly so of course Belle is captured and then flown away to the alien’s cave dwelling high in the mountains.

Annabelle is told to call him Master. He lives with his brother who she is told to call Sir. In this alien society the males share their mates amongst family members and Sir gets the first chance to sex up Belle. Does she consent to this? No. But she doesn’t really have a choice. She worked so hard to gain her freedom and avoid enslavement only to find herself in the service of two aliens.

“Why didn’t you go with my brother?” His voice came out a snarl. What was I supposed to say to that? I just looked at the ground.
“Answer me!”
His shout pissed me off and suddenly the intensity of my anger matched his own.
“What do you mean why didn’t I go to him? Why didn’t I just go and rip off my clothes and throw myself at the strange alien guy with wings and a cock too big for me? Because I’m not crazy?”
“It’s not too big for you. I know you can take it.”
I put my hands over my ears and squeezed my eyes shut because something in his voice was turning me on, and I knew that wasn’t’ the appropriate response. These were monsters that were going to kill me. ~ Master & Annabelle

Annabelle is Master’s mate but she is also Sir’s plaything. She is attracted to both brothers especially Master and slowly, over time she accepts her fate and begins to enjoy her role as their slave. I can’t tell you about all the kinky things that happened in the cave. You’ll have to read the story to get all those hot, steamy, sexy, delicious details. I will tell you that it filled my smut fix perfectly.

Kitty Thomas’ writing is superb as always. I usually fall in love with her twisted, depraved heroes but not so much with Master and Sir. I mean, I liked Sir who was the “nicer one” of the two brothers and I liked the sadistic Master even more. But I wasn’t in love with them. The nice brother had blue skin and the mean brother had red skin. I’m not sure why but that made me laugh. The sci-fi was very light in this story. I’m not a huge fan of aliens but dragon-winged heroes make me swoon, especially when they use their wings to protect their mates. As is my usual gripe with novellas, this story wasn’t long enough. I’m left with questions about the humans’ and aliens’ back story and I would have liked to see Master’s and Annabelle’s relationship expanded. Sequel, please?!
(reviewed 9 days after purchase)

Review by:
Danielle Binks
on June 27, 2011 :
Set in an ambiguous future, humanity has left behind the ‘source planet’ and settled in a new and backwards world. Science and technology have regressed, books are artefacts and women are commodities once again. On her eighteenth birthday Annabelle ‘Belle’ Walker, along with other ripe young women, are being auctioned to the highest bidder. Under the pretence of redistributing city funds, nubile young women are put on the block and sold for a price – the lucky ones have family members and lovers who will buy them back and set them free. But for the unlucky sold it’s a life of quiet humiliation . . . or, as Belle is about to discover, something much worse.

Belle’s fiery spirit attracts the wrong sort of buyer – a monster from the city outskirts, a dragon-man with red skin and orange eyes, sharp teeth and an impressive wing-span. Belle is taken back to his cave, where she will pleasure both him and his blue-skinned brother, referring to them as ‘Master’ and ‘Sir’ respectively.

But will this monster be Belle’s end, or will he help set her free?

‘The Auction’ is a new novella from dark literary erotica author, Kitty Thomas.

I love Kitty Thomas. Honestly, she can do no wrong. I haven’t read a novel of hers that I haven’t loved, and ‘The Auction’ is another slice of perfection from her deliciously dark pen.

You wouldn’t know it to look at the beautiful front cover, but ‘The Auction’ is actually a sci-fi/dark erotica novelette. Although this gorgeous renaissance-feel cover doesn’t scream ‘sci-fi’, it actually leads into the world-building of ‘The Auction’. In this indeterminate future, humanity has had to relocate from Earth and in the process society has taken a giant leap backwards. Women are property once again – to be traded and sold according to the gavel of the auctioneer. Thomas does swift world-building and orientation for the reader with regards to this new-world/old-world society – almost conjuring the universe of Joss Whedon’s ‘Firelfy’.

We see this strangely regressed world through the eyes of Belle Walker. She is a young woman who has found fascination in the books of the past, and has come to articulate the auctioning of women as a barbaric and bizarre – likening it to virginal sacrifice and debutante balls. Belle has been dreading her auction and has been preparing for her day of sale. She has been strategically pleasuring the city’s richest sons; in the meagre hopes of gaining their coin and her freedom upon purchase. But she doesn’t count on an outskirts monster raising his hand for the highest bid.

When Belle is taken to the monster Master’s cave and introduced to his brother, ‘Sir’ (her other bed-mate) she is shocked, horrified . . . and aroused. These men are dragon-like, with wings, blue and red-tinged skin and reddened eyes. But they are also thoroughly masculine; lean and muscled to perfection. Belle cannot believe the way she wants them, and is willing to succumb to them. Her obvious arousal in captivity perverts her conscience and she wonders if she is losing a bit of her soul and dignity, bit by bit, every time she wantonly and willingly succumbs to these brothers . . .

I loved the world Kitty Thomas created. It’s a little bit sci-fi, with a touch of historic slavery and plenty of dark erotica. I thought the inclusion of ‘monster masters’ was quite ingenious – so often in Kitty’s works the dominant (human) male is bordering on demonic (‘Comfort Food’, being a prime example). But in ‘The Auction’ the heroine’s sexual partners are, literally, monsters – and one of them even has a devilish resemblance. It’s a nice bit of fantasy to play with. And, this being a Kitty Thomas novel(la); the sex scenes are divinely delicious. This is a short story, 20000 words, but she takes the time to write languorous and decadently-detailed sex scenes that will leave readers sizzling.

My only complaint about ‘The Auction’ is that it was too short! I wanted more, more, more! I would love to read another novella set in this universe (perhaps revisiting the monster family?) or even a full-length novel set in the same world. ‘The Auction’ was another lovely bit of sexy-sinister writing from the darkly talented erotica author, Kitty Thomas.
(reviewed the day of purchase)